After wrapping the gift, Feng Feng bought herself a new set of clothes. She hadn't had any particular plans before coming, but for some reason, she found herself standing here, even entertaining the childish thought of "I must appear dignified and presentable tomorrow," like youngsters competing.
But by the time she realized this, she had already swiped her card and paid. Feng Feng looked down at the shopping bags in her hands and couldn't help but laugh.
She used to not believe that love could make people childish. Now that she found herself in such a situation, she realized no one could escape it.
Ji Tong's birthday party was scheduled to start at six o'clock on Saturday afternoon. Feng Feng arrived by taxi around 5:50.
She didn't wear the new clothes she bought yesterday, opting instead for a business suit she usually wore to work. She got out of the car with the gift.
She was already familiar with Ru Feng Club. After getting out of the car, she walked in with practiced ease. As soon as she entered, she ran into Gu Song.
Feng Feng subconsciously looked around and realized Gu Song was the only one there.
Gu Song also seemed slightly surprised to see Feng Feng. He glanced at the gift bag in Feng Feng's hand, "Are you here to celebrate Ji Tong's birthday too?"
Feng Feng felt Gu Song's gaze as if she were there to stir up trouble, so she added, "Ji Tong invited me."
Gu Song: "Are you two close?"
Feng Feng: "We interact a lot at work."
She found it difficult to describe her relationship with Ji Tong. Saying they were close seemed inaccurate, but they certainly didn't have major conflicts. They were acquaintances, perhaps friends.
However, this explanation did not satisfy Gu Song's "curiosity." Gu Song had known Feng Feng for a few years. They weren't extremely close, but he understood her way of doing things. She didn't seem like the type to join in on a casual gathering, so Gu Song's eyes held a hint of inquiry.
He stared at Feng Feng for a long time, then smiled and said, "Shen Su is lucky to find such a suitable girl in Ji Tong. You also deserve some credit. If you hadn't refused him, he wouldn't have had this opportunity. Strictly speaking, you could be considered their matchmaker."
These words were practically dripping with sarcasm. Feng Feng could only offer a forced smile, unable to refute them.
Her smile was tinged with bitterness, making Gu Song feel a bit awkward, and he subconsciously wondered if he had spoken too harshly.
At this moment, Shen Su and Ji Tong arrived. As soon as Ji Tong saw Feng Feng, she immediately came over to talk to her, "President Feng, you're here! So sorry, we were delayed by traffic."
"You," "we."
The distinction was clear.
Feng Feng felt a pang in her chest but maintained a calm expression, "I just arrived too. I was chatting with Gu Song for a bit, no delay."
Gu Song narrowed his eyes, observing them. He found it rather unusual that Feng Feng and Ji Tong seemed to be on such good terms. He thought Ji Tong, with her simple and pure heart, would naturally get along well with Feng Feng, which was understandable. But Feng Feng didn't seem like someone who would waste time cultivating a good relationship with Ji Tong, and even if she did, it wouldn't extend to attending her birthday banquet in person.
Ji Tong invited Feng Feng upstairs. Shen Su said, "You two go ahead. Gu Song and I will wait here for the others."
Ji Tong: "Okay."
Ji Tong walked away arm-in-arm with Feng Feng. After their figures disappeared at the top of the stairs, Gu Song asked Shen Su, "How did Ji Tong become so close with Feng Feng? It's strange."
Shen Su: "When Ji Tong was working at the firm, Feng Feng mentored her quite a bit. Ji Tong really likes her."
This explanation was similar to what Feng Feng had said earlier, but Gu Song still found it hard to believe, "She thinks this way because she doesn't know about your past relationship with Feng Feng. If she knew, they wouldn't be able to be friends."
Shen Su didn't think so, "Ji Tong isn't that kind of person."
Gu Song teased, "Your love filter is quite thick. Is Ji Tong your little fairy princess now?"
Shen Su was amused by the nickname. People their age really couldn't say such things.
After the teasing, Gu Song became more serious and said to Shen Su, "Let me give you a heads-up. While Ji Tong is indeed kind and doesn't hold grudges, everyone has feelings. If Ji Tong finds out about your past feelings for Feng Feng, she will definitely mind. You either keep it from her or find a time to explain it clearly."
Shen Su: "There are no feelings left, so there's nothing to say."
If Feng Feng had been his ex-girlfriend, then an explanation would indeed be necessary. But they had never confirmed a romantic relationship from beginning to end, so explaining it to Ji Tong would seem redundant.
Gu Song hadn't expected Shen Su to be so direct. He looked at Shen Su and raised an eyebrow, "You really have no lingering feelings for Feng Feng at all?"
Shen Su: "Do you wish I did?"
Gu Song: "Of course, I hope you don't. I was just asking."
Shen Su: "The reason adults are called adults is because they know how to adapt. Stubbornness is no good."
He didn't have the destiny of Xing Zheng and Liang Yufeng. Feng Feng wasn't Lin Mei or Lan Lan.
When Feng Feng and Ji Tong arrived at the private room, Feng Feng presented her gift. Ji Tong was very polite and restrained, not opening it immediately, but instead chatting with Feng Feng.
Feng Feng looked around. The room had been decorated beforehand, adorned with balloons and various decorative streamers. A giant LinaBell plush toy sat on the sofa, clearly the type Ji Tong would adore.
It was evident that the room's setup was also tailored to her preferences, with a predominantly pink and girlish aesthetic upon entering. Feng Feng hadn't experienced such a strong sense of girlish charm in many years.
They chatted for over ten minutes before Shen Su arrived with others. Feng Feng wasn't particularly surprised to see Lin Mei and Lan Lan. However, Lin Mei and Lan Lan looked astonished to see her chatting with Ji Tong.
Lin Mei and Lan Lan exchanged glances. They had deliberately kept this matter from Feng Feng, primarily to avoid her overthinking and to gauge Shen Su's attitude. They hadn't expected Feng Feng to show up.
It seemed Ji Tong had invited her? Feng Feng proactively explained to them, "Ji Tong invited me."
Lan Lan was the first to react. She smiled at Ji Tong, "Ji Tong and our President Feng are this close now?"
Ji Tong, not catching the underlying meaning in Lan Lan's words, simply smiled and said, "President Feng takes good care of me at work. I don't have many friends, so in my heart, President Feng is almost like a good friend."
Lan Lan: "I see."
With that, she glanced at Shen Su, noticing that his gaze was fixed on Ji Tong. Whenever Ji Tong spoke, he would smile, his eyes full of affection. The intimacy between them was palpable even from a distance.
It wasn't just Feng Feng; even Lan Lan and Lin Mei felt a bit uncomfortable watching.
Lin Mei moved closer and sat beside Feng Feng, offering silent support. Their eyes met, understanding each other without needing words.
With everyone present, they took their seats, and Gu Song signaled for the kitchen to serve the dishes.
To accommodate Feng Feng, Lin Mei and Lan Lan sat on either side of her, with Xing Zheng and Liang Yufeng sitting next to them, respectively.